Posted on Wed, Jun. 30, 2010
FAA proposes fining regional carriers $2.5M
By JOAN LOWY
Associated Press Writer

Federal regulators have proposed fines of nearly $2.5 million for safety violations against two regional air carriers that operate commuter flights for United Airlines and US Airways.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement Wednesday that it wants to fine sister carriers Trans States Airlines and GoJet Airlines for violating maintenance procedures and operating nine jets on 320 flights when the planes were not in compliance with safety regulations.

The carriers are owned by Trans States Holdings of Bridgeton, Mo. They fly commuter flights for United Airlines under the name United Express. Trans States also flies for US Airways under the name US Airways Express.

The FAA said Trans States and GoJet violated several maintenance regulations and procedures, including use of outdated manufacturers' maintenance instructions to perform repairs. In one instance, a wing flap part wasn't connected, making the flaps inoperable, the agency said. In several cases, workers didn't document repairs or inspections. There were also improper repairs of an oil leak and of malfunctioning aircraft warning systems.

"Air carriers cannot ignore maintenance requirements or allow employees to take a pass on following regulations," FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement. "Safety depends not only on maintenance work being done correctly, but also being recorded properly."

Trans States and GoJet have 30 days to respond to the agency.

Read more: Bradenton.com | 06/30/2010 | FAA proposes fining regional carriers $2.5M